Ian Fletcher

Ian Fletcher is an authority on industrial policy and trade economics, known for his critique of free trade and advocacy for strategic government intervention in industry. As co-author of "Industrial Policy for the United States: Winning the Competition for Good Jobs and High-Value Industries," published by Cambridge University Press, Fletcher has contributed to debates on how nations can foster high-value industries and promote economic growth. His earlier works, including "Free Trade Doesn’t Work" and "The Conservative Case Against Free Trade," position him as a voice challenging conventional economic perspectives.

Fletcher’s career includes roles such as senior economist at the Coalition for a Prosperous America, where he serves on the advisory board, and research fellow at the U.S. Business and Industry Council. He has provided economic analysis in private practice and as an IT consultant, and his expertise is regularly featured in media and public forums. Fletcher’s insights have appeared in outlets including Bloomberg News, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Real-World Economics Review, and he is a frequent guest on podcasts and streaming shows, discussing the practical implications of industrial policy for national prosperity and security.

A graduate of Columbia University and the University of Chicago, Fletcher is recognized for a rigorous, historically informed approach to economic policy. He communicates complex ideas to diverse audiences through analysis and public speaking. Fletcher’s work addresses the risks of deindustrialization and the need for coordinated policy tools, drawing on global case studies and advocating for reforms such as competitive currency policies and targeted tariffs. His contributions influence policymakers and thought leaders focused on revitalizing American industry.